The conservative movement lost one of its most prominent voices on September 10, 2025, when Charlie Kirk was assassinated at just 31 years old while speaking at Utah Valley University. As the founder of Turning Point USA and one of the most influential conservative media personalities of his generation, Kirk leaves behind a complex legacy that shaped American politics throughout the 2020s
Early Life and Formative Years
Charlie Kirk was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, on October 14, 1993. He grew up in Prospect Heights, a town nearby. His mom was a mental health helper. His dad was an architect. Even as a kid, Kirk showed he could lead. He became an Eagle Scout.
Kirk first got interested in politics as a high school junior. He helped Mark Kirk’s U.S. Senate campaign. It was a winning effort. His views stayed conservative. He wrote for Breitbart News. He claimed high school books showed liberal bias. This led to his first TV spot on Fox Business.
After high school, Kirk went to Harper College. It was near Chicago. He left before finishing his degree. His path in politics changed a lot. He met Bill Montgomery. Montgomery backed a Tea Party candidate. He told Kirk to focus on activism full-time.
Founding Turning Point USA
In 2012, at the young age of 18, Kirk started Turning Point USA. It grew into a major conservative youth group in America. The group aimed to spread ideas of “fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government” on college campuses. It served as a balance to liberal groups.
The organization took off after Kirk went to the 2012 Republican National Convention. He convinced wealthy donor Foster Friess to fund it. This support helped TPUSA grow from a small start-up. It became a well-funded media group with backing from big conservative donors.
Expansion and Initiatives
Growth and New Projects Kirk guided TPUSA to broaden its impact. This involved several debated projects:
- Professor Watchlist identified professors. They were accused of spreading “left-wing ideas.”
- School Board Watchlist did similar work. It focused on K-12 schools.
- Turning Point Academy offered online classes. It pushed for “America-first education.”
- Turning Point Action ran political campaigns. It is a non-profit for advocacy.
- Turning Point Faith rallied religious groups. They supported conservative causes.
Media Presence and Political Influence
Charlie Kirk achieved widespread fame through media. He hosted “The Charlie Kirk Show.” This was a daily talk show on Salem Media’s “The Answer” radio. By 2024, his podcast saw 500,000 to 750,000 downloads each day. Kirk also had many followers on social media. Millions engaged with him on various platforms.
Assassination
Kirk was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, while hosting a “Prove Me Wrong” event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah
Relationship with Donald Trump
Charlie Kirk’s connection with Donald Trump changed a lot. At first, Kirk was unsure about Trump running in 2016. But he later became a strong supporter. He worked for Donald Trump Jr. in 2016. He also visited the White House often while Trump was president.
Trump often said Kirk helped get young voters and minority voters for his winning 2024 campaign. After Kirk passed away, Trump shared this on Truth Social: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.”
Personal Life
Kirk married Erika Frantzve, a former Miss Arizona, in May 2021. The couple had two young children together.
Reactions to His Death
President Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff until September 14
TO MY GREAT FELLOW AMERICANS… pic.twitter.com/oRsrE5TTHr
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2025